The Personal Narrative of James O. Pattie

by James Ohio Pattie, William H. Goetzmann (Introduction), Timothy Flint (Editor)

Pattie's Personal Narrative, first published more than a century
and a half ago, is a unique look at life in the early Southwest and
California. It is also the story, told in a vivid first-person narrative, of
a young man's attempt to adjust to a way of life far different from that in
which he was raised. The world through which James Pattie moved was new and
exciting; the story of a young man coming of age is a universal theme. That
more than anything may explain why it is still read 150 years after it was
first published.

Genres: Nonfiction

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's difficult when reading books from this era to separate truth from embellishment, but Pattie's work lacks the vocabulary that suggests excessive embellishment. It is very well written compared to contemporary accounts owing to his accomplished editor. The Forward and footnotes address inaccuracies. Nonetheless, an enjoyable adventure tale of the early American west.

[James Prothero]

Interesting account, though a bit far-fetched at times.